SBE 56 Chapter President George Chambers called the meeting to order.

Reports:
Minutes:

Minutes from the May meeting were brought up for approval as posted on the Chapter 56 Website.  The Minutes were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote of the members present.

Treasurers Report:

Larry Miller reported that there were two errors in last May’s Treasurer’s Report.  The Chapter Checking Account balance was reported as being $3,909.46 on April 23, 2002, which was correct. There was a debit of $2,505.00, which was correct leaving a balance of $1,409.00.  The stated deposit $165.00 was incorrect.  There was a check for $120.00 for 8 member dues, which was added incorrectly by your Treasurer and the Bank, as a check for $150.00. Along with the $120.00 check there was another check for $15.00 dues making a total deposit of $135.00. Therefore, the correct balance for May 28, 2002 was $1544.46. 

There was a deposit of $605.00 on June 25,2002. $500.00 of the deposit was from KJRH for reimbursement of their part of the ENG Safety Seminar expense. The remaining $105.00 was for dues payments by seven members. 

As of June 25, 2002, the Chapter’s balance is $2,149.46.

Education Report:  

Ray Klotz reported upcoming tests Nov 8 - 18, 2002 and their deadline of September 29, 2002 for applying to take them.

Frequency Coordination Report:
     Above 1 GHz:

Larry Miller reported that KDOR-TV is temporarily using 7.0125 GHz, instead of 7.1125 GHz for their STL Path. They will return to 7.1125 GHz after their equipment repairs are made.

     Below 1 GHz:

Richard Hardy reported no new activity. Richard reminded everyone to check on their Broadcast Auxiliary Licenses to make certain that they are linked to the Stations Broadcast License in the FCC’s database. If they are not, the Broadcast Auxiliary license will be voided as of the end of June 2002.

Membership Report: 

Nothing reported.

Secretary’s Report: 

Nothing reported.

Web and Internet Report:

 Nothing reported.

EAS Report:

Roger Herring reported on the State EAS Plan revisions to bring it in line with changes made by the FCC.  In 30 days the changes will be presented to the Oklahoma Member stations for approval.

Additionally, Roger asked that new members or renewing members update Chapter 56 with their e-mail address.

Internship Committee:

Nothing reported.

Old Business:   

Chapter Chairman George Chambers told the membership that the question of the Chapter By-Laws revisions has been forwarded to the National SBE’s counsel for advice on how to modify the by-laws to allow more than 2 terms by officers of the Chapter.  He is awaiting a response by the counsel

New Business:

Chapter Vice President Herring announced the passing of Klipsch Speakers Founder Paul W. Klipsch on May 5, 2002 at an age of 98 years. Roger noted that Klipsch held 12 patents related to speaker design.

 

June 25, 2002 Program:

PSIP - and Beyond

Don Dobbs introduced the speaker for the program.  Jay Gonzalez of MCSi, Inc. brought a Power Point presentation on PSIP and it’s use in ATSC 8-VSB transmission and reception.  PSIP stands for Program and System Information Protocol; it must be transmitted in the ATSC Stream to allow the ATSC demodulator to properly tune the 8-VSB signals.  PSIP allows numbering of the channels, navigation of the channels and naming of the channels.

 Jay spent some time going over the many facets of PSIP, which are many and complex.

 

 

    

SUMMER HEAT -
                          CAN RUIN SUMMER FUN... 

A contribution from Linda Anderson, lw-anderson@tamu.edu
Excerpts from the Editor, Mark Bell.

COLLEGE STATION – Legend has it that Texas only has two seasons – January and summer. This year might prove that since the thermometer cracked the 90-degree mark before the end of April. While warmer weather is welcomed by sun-worshipers, wiser Texans know the summer heat is nothing to fool around with – or in. Summer heat can be dangerous.

Each year hundreds of people in and out of the Lone Star State sicken because of heat-related conditions, and some of them die, said Dr. Carol A. Rice, Texas Coop-Extension health specialist and a registered nurse.

Some of these heat-related conditions are:

- Heat cramps: Painful spasms and cramping of large muscles in the legs, arms or abdomen. These spasms are caused by too much exertion in the heat and not enough fluid intake.

- Heat exhaustion: Feelings of tiredness, weakness and dizziness, with headache, nausea and sometimes vomiting. Heat exhaustion is also brought on by dehydration and too much activity. Victims' perspiration is heavy; skin feels moist.

- Heat stroke: Symptoms of this serious medical condition include feeling tired, weak and dizzy, as well as disorientation and/or deliria, and possibly unconsciousness. "Heat stroke is truly a medical emergency for which you would call 911," Rice said. 

Rice said a few precautions and a little common sense can make these summer dangers a thing of the past.

 First, get plenty to drink – of the non-alcoholic variety. "Be sure you are adequately hydrated before you go into the heat, and make sure you have plenty of water with you."

If you're planning to be out in the sun doing heavy physical activity, drink a couple of eight-ounce glasses of water, juice or  sports drink about two hours before you go outside, and follow that up with another four to eight ounces of similar liquids about 90 minutes later – or about 15 or 20 minutes before you go out into the sun. That will give your body time to accumulate necessary fluids.

Beer may be considered the national drink of Texas in some circles, but Rice also advised against using it as the beverage of choice when trying to beat the heat. Beer acts as a diuretic and increases fluid loss – not a good thing when you're trying to protect yourself against heat-related illnesses.

Caffeinated drinks, such as colas and that other Texas favorite, iced tea, act much the same way. These drinks make you lose more water than you need to, per Rice.

Your best bet is to drink plain and simple water, and plenty of it. Not only is water the best drink for before, during and after heavy physical activity, it's probably the cheapest too.

"Drink lots of cool water, even more than you think you need, when the weather is hot and humid," Rice states. “And remember, when the weather is humid, perspiration doesn't evaporate as quickly so the body cools down more slowly and heat-related conditions become more likely.”

A good rule is to drink about 1-1/2 times what your body tells you it needs. "Drink at least a gallon of liquid a day, about 16 glasses, when the outside temperature is above 90 and you are not in air-conditioned surroundings," she said. 

People with chronic illnesses, such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure, may be more heat-sensitive too. Rice also advised:

- Don't increase salt intake. It's very rare that an American will need extra salt, most of us get too much.

- Wear light-colored, cotton clothing. Most synthetic materials trap body heat and are not absorbent. And wear a hat to shade your head.

- Whenever possible, schedule outside activities during early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. If you are required to work outside, take frequent breaks and drinks of cool water.

- Do not do energetic exercising during the heat of the day.

- Drink the right beverages. Avoid drinks with caffeine – they may cause muscle cramping, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to maintain adequate amounts of sodium, calcium and potassium.

And, Rice adds, "Never, never, never take salt tablets...most foods provide enough salt." Too much sodium is not good.

For more information visit the Web site: http://agpublications.tamu.edu and click on Extension Publications, then the link to Health.

Contact information,
ENG Safety Memo:
Toll-free: 1-87-SAFE-6090
Phone: 781-383-6090
Fax: 781-394-0762
e-mail: safety@engsafety.com
www.engsafety.com

click here

Education Committee
Ray Klotz

Chapter 56 administered certification exams to two engineers from the Fayetteville area this month.  I have not heard the results yet.

June 16th was the deadline for exams to be given in August.  I know of at least one application that was filed.  Applications must be received at National by September 29th for the exam period November 8 - 18th.  Fall is the time to upgrade or get certified.

The SBE Certification Committee has established the exam dates listed below for 2002.  Check for the time that is best for you.

If there is interest, we will have study sessions in October.  Let me know.  For more information about SBE Certification, contact me, SBE 56 Certification Chair Ray Klotz or contact Linda Godby, Certification Director at SBE National Office at (317) 846-9000.

CERTIFICATION EXAM DATES FOR 2002

Humor
Below is our best attempt at humor. 
  If you enjoy it, our boss says not to encourage us by telling us so!